Singapore has one of the strongest education systems in the world. In the OECD PISA 2022 results, students in Singapore scored above the OECD average in mathematics, reading, and science, and Singapore also had the highest proportions of top performers in reading, mathematics, and science among participating education systems.
English is also widely spoken in the country, so the language barrier that many foreign students face is less of an issue. These are just some of the reasons Singapore remains a popular destination for international students. While tuition can be expensive, exceptional students may be eligible for scholarships in Singapore.
Top Scholarships in Singapore for International Students
1. Nanyang Undergraduate Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full coverage of subsidized tuition fees, plus allowances
- Eligible Degree/s: Bachelor’s
The Nanyang Undergraduate Scholarship details correspond most closely to NTU’s current Nanyang Global Scholarship, which is open to outstanding freshmen pursuing full-time undergraduate degree programs at Nanyang Technological University. Applicants should show excellent academic results, strong leadership potential, and strong co-curricular records.
Qualified applicants may receive full coverage of subsidized tuition fees after the Tuition Grant, a living allowance of S$6,500 per academic year, an accommodation allowance of up to S$2,000 per academic year for those living in NTU hostels, a travel grant of up to S$8,000 for eligible overseas programs, and a one-time computer allowance of S$2,000.
Potential Nanyang Technological University students are required to apply for admission before applying for the scholarship. Scholarship applicants are generally asked to submit a recent digital passport-sized photo and a referee’s appraisal as part of the scholarship application.
Shortlisted applicants may need to attend an interview, and details will be communicated by email. Students admitted to Medicine or the Renaissance Engineering Programme should check with their respective schools for the scholarship application outcome.
Successful scholars must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 5.0, and academic performance is reviewed every semester.
2. NUS Research Scholarship
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Full tuition waiver and monthly stipend
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s by Research and Ph.D. students
The National University of Singapore Research Scholarship is one of the top scholarships in Singapore for graduate research students. It is awarded to outstanding graduate students pursuing research leading to a higher degree at NUS.
Applicants must generally have at least Second Class Honours, Upper Division, Honours with Distinction, or an equivalent qualification. NUS also reviews applicants’ academic background, research interest, statement of purpose, recommendation letters, CV, and, where applicable, standardized test scores or English proficiency evidence.
To apply, incoming graduate students should indicate their interest in the scholarship as part of their admissions application. Application deadlines depend on the relevant faculty or school.
The scholarship provides a full waiver of tuition fees. From January 1, 2026, international students receive a monthly stipend of S$3,000 for Ph.D. studies or S$2,900 for master’s by research studies. Ph.D. students receive an additional S$500 per month after passing the Ph.D. qualifying examination.
The scholarship is tenable for one year in the first instance and may be renewed each semester, subject to satisfactory progress. The typical maximum award period is four years for Ph.D. candidates and two years for master’s by research candidates.
3. Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA)
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Tuition support for up to 4 years, stipend, airfare grant, and settling-in allowance
- Eligible Degree/s: Ph.D.
- Meet the SINGA Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Elif Esra Aydin from Turkiye and Manoj Chamlagain from Nepal
SINGA is a collaboration between the Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Nanyang Technological University, the National University of Singapore, Singapore Management University, and the Singapore University of Technology and Design. It supports international candidates pursuing Ph.D. training in science and engineering fields in Singapore.
Awarded students may conduct research at A*STAR and/or one of the partner universities. Research areas broadly include Biomedical Sciences, Computing and Information Sciences, Engineering and Technology, and Physical Sciences.
The award provides support for up to four years of Ph.D. studies, including tuition support, a monthly stipend, a one-time airfare grant, and a one-time settling-in allowance.
Applicants should have excellent academic results, a strong passion for research, proficiency in written and spoken English, and strong academic references. Required documents generally include a valid passport, a recent passport-sized photo, degree certificates and transcripts, and two recommendation reports. Test scores such as GRE, IELTS, TOEFL, SAT, or GATE may be submitted if applicable or requested by the university.
Applicants do not necessarily need a master’s degree before applying. Singapore institutions may admit students with a bachelor’s degree to graduate work leading to a Ph.D.; students complete coursework and research requirements and continue after passing the qualifying examination.
Awardees are chosen based on academic record, research potential, recommendations, personal achievements, passion for research, and interview performance if shortlisted.
Here is what Singapore International Graduate Award (SINGA) Scholars Say:
“This scholarship covers the full tuition fee, a one-time settling-in allowance, a one-time airfare grant, and a competitive stipend every month for four years.”
Manoj Chamlagain
“Find an advisor first, and don’t hesitate to ask tough questions about research funding and future opportunities.”
Elif Esra Aydin
“Based on feedback from professors and peers, SINGA was mainly awarded to engineering students from Turkiye. Many believed I had little or even no chance compared to engineering applicants.”
Elif Esra Aydin
4. ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship (Nanyang Technological University)
- Scholarship Link
- Scholarship Amount for Bachelor’s: Full subsidized tuition fees, a living allowance of S$5,800 per year, an accommodation allowance of S$3,000 per year, and a one-time computer allowance of S$1,750
- Meet the ASEAN Scholars: Explore scholarship journeys including Archie Kenichi Prayogo from Indonesia
The ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is for Singapore Permanent Residents or citizens from ASEAN countries except Singapore. It supports outstanding students pursuing full-time undergraduate degree programs leading to a first degree, except the Renaissance Engineering Programme.
The scholarship covers the normal program duration, provided that scholars maintain good academic performance and exemplary conduct. It covers full subsidized tuition fees after the Tuition Grant, a living allowance of S$5,800 per academic year, an accommodation allowance of S$3,000 per academic year, and a one-time computer allowance of S$1,750.
Applicants should have strong academic qualifications, excellent co-curricular records, and leadership qualities. Scholars must maintain a minimum CGPA of 3.5 out of 5.0, and academic performance is reviewed every semester.
Here is what ASEAN Undergraduate Scholarship Scholars Say:
“Valued at approximately S$100,000, the scholarship provides full coverage of my subsidized tuition fees for all four years of study, along with several additional allowances.”
Archie Kenichi Prayogo
5. INSEAD Scholarships
- Scholarship Page
- Scholarship Value: Varies by scholarship; MBA scholarships average about €24,000
- Eligible Degree/s: Master’s
INSEAD is a business school with locations in France, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, and San Francisco. It offers business education across several degree programs, including the MBA, Master in Management, Global Executive MBA, Executive Master in Finance, Executive Master in Change, Tsinghua-INSEAD Executive MBA, and Ph.D. in Management.
INSEAD offers a wide range of scholarships for master’s students. For the MBA, INSEAD currently lists more than 170 scholarship funds across its Fontainebleau and Singapore campuses. Scholarships may be need-based, merit-based, or awarded directly to candidates with outstanding admissions profiles.
INSEAD reports that its average MBA scholarship amount is about €24,000, and candidates may access the scholarship portal after submitting their MBA application. Scholarship availability, eligibility, and award amounts vary by program and scholarship fund.
We hope that this article on the top scholarships in Singapore for international students was helpful. To learn more, check out the Singapore Study Guide and Available Programs for International Students sections!
